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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Meets Hamas Delegation in Qatar
By Sebastian Strangio
The meeting came just days after a U.S. Treasury delegation visited Malaysia to express its concerns that the Palestinian group was raising funds in the country.
Serial Has a New Guantanamo Podcast, but Is Anyone Listening?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The podcast's latest series examines the history of the detention camp, where around 30 people, including Indonesian and Malaysian nationals, remain incarcerated.
Thai Monarchy Reform Activist Dies in Custody After Months-Long Hunger Strike
By Sebastian Strangio
The death of Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom has drawn attention to the Thai government's cruel use of pretrial detention to silence peaceful critics of the monarchy.
Fight or Concede, Myanmar’s Junta Must Decide
By Luke Hunt
Calm has returned to the Thai border after fighting last month. But some sources say the military is gearing up for a major counteroffensive on Myawaddy.
End of An Era in Singapore as PM Lee Prepares to Hand Over Power
By Sebastian Strangio
Tomorrow, Lawrence Wong will become the city-state's fourth prime minister. He faces a host of challenges on both the domestic and international fronts.
Philippines to Take Steps to Prevent Chinese Reclamation in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
Over the weekend, Manila accused Beijing of attempting to create an "artificial island" at Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied reef 75 nautical miles from Palawan island.
China and Cambodia to Begin Annual Military Exercise to Strengthen Cooperation, Fight Terrorism
By Sopheng Cheang
A total of 1,315 military personnel from Cambodia and 760 from China will participate in the 15-day Golden Dragon exercise.
Thailand Cuts Off Internet, Mobile Phone Connections to Myanmar Scam Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission says that connections supplying Shwe Kokko, a center of online fraud operations in Myanmar's Kayin State, were illegal.
Russia’s Putin Could Visit Vietnam This Month, Reports Claim
By Sebastian Strangio
The Russian leader could include a stop in Hanoi on his upcoming state visit to China.
Thailand’s Senate Election: The Definition of Insanity
By Ian Hollinger
Attempts to create an upper house that is "above" the dirty reality of Thai politics have failed before – and will fail again.
Malaysia Will Not Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Iran, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. Treasury Department has expressed its concerns over Iran using Malaysian entities to finance allied militant groups, including Hamas.
Vietnam’s Defense Strategy: A Maritime-Oriented Continental Perspective
By Nguyen The Phuong
At a time when Vietnam is increasingly looking to the sea, how can it balance a focus on its western continental frontiers and the eastern maritime domain?